In a world torn apart by the enmity of Gods and Demons, humanity stood divided. Greed drove some to abandon the divine, worshiping Demons in exchange for their deepest desires — and in doing so, they fell to every sin imaginable: Lust, Wrath, Envy, Sloth, Gluttony, Pride, and Avarice.

One God resolved to walk the mortal realm, and what he found filled him with despair. Bountiful as they were, humans defied the Gods' laws, and many knelt before Azerel, the Demon King. Rage consumed him — he wanted to destroy the world he had created... until a soft voice pulled him back.

Back story

"Hello, mister! Are you lost? Why are you crying?"

The God wiped his eyes. "Nothing."

The girl leaned in, her brow furrowed. "Mister, are you hungry? You look so pale."

"I'm alright."

"Come with me," she insisted, taking his hand.

He followed her as she led him through the wilderness for half an hour. "Lady, where are we going?"

"Oh, sorry!" She stopped. "We're here."

Before them stood a tiny tent — barely big enough for one person. The girl pulled out fruits and water. "Here, mister."

"Do you live here alone?"

"Yes, sire."

"That must be lonely..."

"I used to have a family — three siblings, my parents. They all died in the war. I'm the only one left."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I've moved on. They'd be sad if they saw me unhappy, so I have to keep going."

The God hesitated. "Do you think the world is cruel?"

"Why ask that?"

"After everything that's happened to you... don't you think it is?"

"It is cruel, sire. But it's also worth loving. Not everything is bad. After my family died, I wanted to end my life — but an old woman stopped me, sheltered me. She taught me kindness can change people... and it changed me."

The God's eyes lit up. "You're right! That's exactly it!"

"By the way, what's your name?" the God asked.

"Mara. And you, sire?"

"I'm Henry — God of Nature."

Henry devoured the fruits in seconds. Mara stared, shocked — but she figured he was just starving, not really a God.

Present

In the Xylem Dynasty of Gwangnan, a girl was born to the realm's strongest cultivator. Her name was Natsou — with white hair, pale skin, and a beauty that turned heads. When she turned nine, her father Hiro began her training as a cultivator.

[Cultivators: Warriors who hunt monsters and Demons. Some are healers too, drawing on nature's energy to fight and mend. They use hand gestures to control this power.]

"Father, I want to play with my friends!" Natsou begged, dropping her training stance.

"No," Hiro said firmly. "Not until you're done."

"But I'm still young! When I'm older, I'll train hard to be like you — I promise!"

"You said you wanted to be stronger than me, remember?"

"I did... but I'm too little for this!"

"I started training when I was five."

"Really?!"

"Yes. Natsou, we only have each other now. Your mother is gone — if I die, there'll be no one to protect you."

Tears welled in her eyes. "Father, everyone says I'm a curse... even the shaman. They say mother died because of me."

"She said that?"

"I went for a palm reading with my friends. She said she saw a curse in me... do you think I deserve to die?"

Natsou broke down crying. Hiro pulled her close. "That's a lie. Your mother is at peace now — she hated seeing you cry. People are just jealous of my beautiful daughter."

"Don't lie to me!"

"I'd never lie to you. If you're tired, let's rest. Okay?"

"Okay."

Hiro carried the sleeping Natsou to her chamber. As he watched her, rage boiled up — remembering how the shaman had bullied her, how rumors spread like wildfire. He'd had enough.

He marched to the shaman's hut. "Master Hiro! You've come — would you like a reading?"

"No. What I want is your palm. May I have it?"

"What do you mean?"

Hiro leaned in, his voice low. "I'm going to cut it so you never make my daughter cry again."

"Master, I can explain!"

But Hiro had already drawn his blade. The shaman screamed as her hand hit the ground. "Why?!"

"No one bullies my daughter."

"But it's true! She's a curse — you know it!"

"Want me to cut your head next?"

The shaman fell silent, terrified. "Okay... I'll leave her alone."

Hiro then went to the market square, where Gwangnan's people gathered. He held up the shaman's severed hand for all to see.

"Everyone knows me — I am Hiro Hiwari, Master of the God of Nature Sect!"

Whispers rippled through the crowd. "That's the great cultivator... the one with the half-demon daughter..."

"See this hand?" Hiro roared. "This belongs to the shaman who started the lie that my daughter is a curse. No one — no one — will call her that again. If I hear the rumor spread, I'll cut out their tongue. Remember that."

He turned and left, leaving the crowd trembling in fear.

"How sad," a woman named Mei said softly. "Everyone thinks he's a monster now."

A boy beside her stared after Hiro, his eyes wide with awe. He's incredible. The strongest cultivator.

"Let's go home, Kei," Mei said.

"Okay, Mother."

End of chapter 1

Natsou stood in the clearing, her sword singing through the air. With each movement, magic wove around the blade — fluid, precise, and breathtakingly calm. Every step was executed with perfect grace.

Meanwhile, at the mountain's foot, a boy named Kei made his way up to the peak to gather wood for charcoal. As he dragged his axe through the undergrowth, a flash of light caught his eye. He peered through the trees and saw Natsou cultivating.

"Wow, amazing," he breathed, his voice barely a whisper. "How beautiful."

He couldn't look away. For an hour, he stood hidden in the foliage, watching her every move. Then suddenly, she stopped.

"Ehh? Why did she stop?" Kei wondered aloud, furrowing his brow.

He had no idea Natsou had sensed him — until she teleported right beside him.

"Huh? Where did she go?"

"Hello!"

Kei jumped so high he nearly dropped his axe. Natsou burst out laughing.

"Sorry to startle you," she giggled, "but you've been watching me long enough... it seems like you're interested in cultivating?"

"Ahh, yeah!" Kei stammered, his face growing warm. Not much in cultivating... but in you? Very much.

Natsou leaned in closer. "Well, do you want to be a cultivator?"

"I don't know," he mumbled, his cheeks bright red.

"You looked so happy watching me," she said. "You know, my father was the strongest cultivator. You might want to meet him — his cultivation is way better than mine."

"What's your father's name?"

"Hiro Hiwari."

"Ah! I've seen him cultivate before!" Kei's eyes lit up. "He saved me and my family from demons! His fire energy control is incredible."

"Really?!"

"But your cultivation is... "

Natsou's face fell. "Is what? Am I bad at it?"

"No!" Kei hurried to say, his shyness returning. "Your cultivation is beautiful."

"Really?"

"Ahh... well, nice to meet you. I'm Kei Hira. And you are?"

"My name is Natsou Hiwari."

They shared a smile, the mountain air growing still around them.

The call echoed through the mountain clearing "Natsou! Where are you?"

"Father, I'm here!" Natsou's voice carried back, and a moment later she emerged from the trees, her hand wrapped around a boy's.

Hiro's eyes narrowed as he took in the stranger. "Natsou. Who is this?"

Kei felt his throat go dry under Hiro's intense stare. "H-h-hi, Ma-Master... I'm Kei... Hira."

Hiro stepped forward, leaning in to study his face. The boy fidgeted, his nervousness plain to see.

"M-aa-Master," Kei stammered, "my family... you saved us. In the demon attack at Innha town, back then..."

Recognition dawned in Hiro's eyes, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Ahh... I remember now. You're the little five-year-old who clung to me like a koala and wouldn't stop crying."

"Father, that's embarrassing!" Natsou gave her father a light push, then turned to Kei with an apologetic look. "Sorry about him, Kei."

Kei bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the ground. "I'm sorry, Master... for being so pathetic back then."

"Hey now — I'm just teasing you!" Hiro clapped him on the shoulder, making Kei jump. "Why all the jitters?"

Kei let out a breathy, awkward laugh. "Ahh... I guess I'm just starstruck, sir."

"Father," Natsou cut in, "Kei's really interested in cultivation."

Hiro's gaze shifted back to Kei. "Is that true? Do you want to become a cultivator?"

"Cultivation is interesting, Master," Kei said, his voice steadier now. "But I don't think it's meant for me."

"Why not?" Hiro and Natsou asked at the same time.

Kei's expression softened with sadness. "My father died in that Innha town attack. I have to help my mother take care of things — we live at the mountain foot, and I'm the one who provides for us."

Hiro nodded slowly. "So that's why you're up here collecting woods?"

"Yes, Master."

"I understand," Hiro said gently.

"Kei," Natsou said, her voice warm, "I know you have responsibilities. But if cultivation is something you want — something you dream about — you have to reach for it. There's always a way when you pursue what you love. That's what I've always believed."

Hiro laid a hand on Kei's shoulder. "And you're always welcome here, son. Anytime."

Kei's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Master. Thank you, Natsou. I... I'll really think about it."

End of chapter 2

When it's your dream, grab it! There's always a way. When you do what you love, everything will be alright.

Kei mumbled the words to himself as he walked down the mountain path. "Yeah... maybe that's right. But will mother agree?"

"Kei! You're finally here!"

He looked up to see his mother, Mei, waiting at their cottage door. "Mother? Were you waiting for me?"

"Of course I was," she said, pulling him close for a moment. "It's getting dark — demons and monsters come out at night. I was so worried. Next time, come home early."

"Sorry, Mother," Kei said. "But... when I was collecting woods on the peak, I saw him. The cultivator who saved us back then."

"Really?!" Her eyes widened with surprise.

"Yes! He lives there with his daughter. They're so kind... I can't believe the shaman said she's a curse. Anyone who meets her would know that's a lie."

"Her name?"

"Natsou. Master Hiro's daughter."

Mei smiled softly. "Well, then we should visit them sometime to thank them properly."

Kei fidgeted with the hem of his tunic. "Mother... what if I told you I want... "

"What is it, son? Tell me."

"I want to be a cultivator too, mother!"

Mei let out a small laugh. "I always knew this day would come. Ever since that man saved us, you've been imitating his moves — even when you thought I wasn't looking."

"I just... I don't want you to worry about me," Kei said quietly.

"Hey now," she ruffled his hair, "even if you become a cultivator, you're still just a ten-year-old kid! I'll always worry a little."

"But it's my dream," he insisted. "And if I'm a cultivator, I'll be able to protect you. On my own."

Mei's eyes glistened with tears. "If it's your dream, then why would I stop you? I don't have much to leave you when I'm gone — but my support is all yours, always."

"Mother... don't talk about dying." Kei threw his arms around her waist. "Thank you for being my mother."

She held him tight, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "I love you, son."

The next day

"Have you changed your mind?" Natsou asked, meeting Kei at the mountain top clearing.

Kei grinned. "Yeah. I realized... when you do what you love, everything will be alright."

"Then let's make a promise!" Natsou held up her fist. "Let's become the strongest cultivators in the future!"

"Yes!" Kei bumped his fist against hers.

And so they trained under Hiro's guidance. Natsou excelled at every technique, and Kei was right beside her, matching her dedication. They practiced on the peak and by the river, their skills growing with each passing day.

Five years later, fifteen-year-old Natsou had mastered the art of absorbing water energy, creating countless unique techniques. She became known as the Master of Water. Kei, at sixteen, had perfected fire energy absorption and earned the title of Sub Master of Fire. Both were formidable — but when it came to controlling raw energy, Natsou's potential was unmatched.

At the river

"Finished with your training?" Kei asked as Natsou walked up, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Yep. Father said to meet him after we're done."

They made their way to the temple, where Hiro was waiting. As they entered, he broke into a fit of coughing.

"Father! Are you okay?" Natsou rushed to his side.

"Come here, both of you," Hiro said, waving them over.

"Father, you need to take better care of yourself," she scolded gently, handing him a cup. "Drink this."

"What is it?"

"Herbal tea — I made it using my water technique."

Hiro's eyes lit up. "Really? You're incredible." He took a sip, then set the cup down. "Now, let's get down to business. Sit."

They sat across from him, leaning forward.

"There's a town that's been attacked," Hiro began. "The people can't say what did it. I went to look around and found some strange things. What do you think it was?"

"Is it a demon, Master?" Kei asked.

"That's what I thought too," Hiro said, "but there's no demon scent there at all."

"Well, father," Natsou said, "my theory is... it's a person."

"Master, what kind of attack was it?" Kei pressed. "What happened to the people?"

"That's what I'm leaning toward — a person. Demons usually eat humans, but these people died from poison, and others were injured in explosions."

"I want to go investigate!" Natsou stood up suddenly. "What town is it?"

"Natsou, calm down," Hiro said firmly. "I'm just asking for your opinions. This case is mine to solve."

"But father, in your condition — you can't!"

"Natsou's right, Master," Kei added. "We can go there and handle it. You should rest here."

"No!" Hiro's voice rose. "I said this is my matter to deal with. It's too complicated for you two. Now, back to your training. Dismiss!"

In a quiet, sad tone, Natsou said, "Yes, master."

Kei nodded. "Yes, master."

As they left, Hiro sighed to himself. I know they'll go investigate anyway. Their critical thinking is good... but this is too dangerous. If it were just weak monsters or demons, I'd trust them. But what if it's a fellow cultivator?

Outside the temple, Natsou stopped walking. "What if it is a fellow cultivator?"

"Maybe," Kei said. "Or maybe not — demons are tricky."

"Then let's go investigate!"

"You heard what your father said, right?"

"I heard it," Natsou said with a smile, "but I think it's a test. It's the first time he's asked for our opinion — he's challenging us."

"I think you're right," Kei said, grinning back. "But how do we find out which town it is?"

"Easy," Natsou said, starting down the mountain. "We just ask around."

"Then let's go!"

End of chapter 3